
How to Remove Makeup - Common Mistakes and How to Properly Cleanse Your Face
Have you ever been tempted to leave your makeup on overnight, especially after a super long day? No matter how tired or lazy you feel, that’s a huge no-no in the skincare rulebook!
Makeup impurities can clog your pores and lead to dry skin, acne or skin irritation. That’s why it’s an absolute must to remove your makeup at the end of the day.
But what if you don’t know how to remove makeup effectively? Not to worry, we’re here to help. We’ll also fill you in on the makeup removal blunders to avoid, plus share all the pro-level tips to keep your skin drama-free.
Importance of Removing Makeup
The next time you feel like going to bed without removing your makeup, think twice! From lacklustre and parched skin to blocked pores, breakouts, and even signs of aging, sleeping with makeup on can seriously mess with your skin. Here’s what happens when you don’t wipe off your makeup!
Causes Dull Skin

Ever heard of “beauty sleep”? It’s not just a saying. When you’re in deep sleep mode, your skin is working hard to regenerate and gear up for a new day.
But when you leave makeup on at night, you're hitting the pause button on your skin's rejuvenation process and letting dead skin cells pile up on your skin's surface. The result: light won’t be able to reflect off your face and you'll be left with dull-looking skin.
Dehydrates Your Skin

Not removing your makeup before you catch up on your sleep can also zap your skin of moisture. That’s because makeup contains skin-drying ingredients such as alcohol, fragrances, glycolic acid and salicylic acid.
Makeup that sits on your face overnight throws off the natural balance of oil and water that keeps your skin hydrated. When your skin can’t breathe and regenerate itself, it can end up dry and flaky.
Clogs Pores

Rocking makeup all day long can boost your beauty and confidence, but it can totally clog up your pores if you fail to get rid of it before bedtime. Things get worse when your natural skin oils and debris from your pillow enter the mix. So make it a habit to go to bed makeup free - this will keep your face will looking fresh, clean and healthy in the long run.
Increases Risk of Breakouts and Infection

Leaving makeup on overnight may set you up for pore-clogging trouble, acting as an open invitation for acne. Eye makeup also has irritants that can spark inflation, irritation and redness. Leave it for too long and you may be at risk of an infection as the skin around your eyelids is super thin and sensitive. To avoid all skin flare-ups, clean and cleanse before calling it a day.
Speeds Up Skin Aging

Your skin hits the refresh button every night. If you keep makeup on all night, you’re likely to age faster. This is because makeup can interfere with your skin’s collagen production - which is the key to keeping your skin firm, fab and youthful-looking. Lose that firmness and you’re in line for fine lines and wrinkles.
Common Makeup Removal Mistakes
Now let’s uncover the most common makeup removal mistakes that could be sabotaging your skincare routine.
1. Using Regular Facial Cleanser to Remove Makeup

Relying on your everyday facial cleaner to get rid of makeup is a common mistake. Regular cleansers can only tackle surface grime and sebum, but they’re not strong enough to break down makeup impurities from oil-based makeup like foundation, concealer, sunscreen and waterproof eye makeup.
2. Using Eye Makeup Remover For Your Whole Face
A common slip-up is using eye makeup remover for your entire face. Unlike regular makeup removers, eye makeup removers are designed for use on eye makeup, particularly those which are heavy or waterproof. While this formulation is perfect for tackling that fierce eye glam, slathering it all over your face can clog your pores.
3. Skipping Other Parts Such As Your Jaw, Neck and Hairline
Another oopsie makeup lovers tend to make? Skipping key areas like your jaw, neck and hairline. Your neck is a fragile area that's prone to premature aging. Makeup residue can also build up on your hairline, which leads to clogged pores and breakouts. So, remember to swipe off makeup in these easily missed spots.
4. Rubbing or Scrubbing Too Hard

Think of your face as a VIP zone - it’s more delicate than other parts of your body. Going all out by rubbing off your makeup too vigorously with a cotton pad can damage your skin barrier. As area around your eyes is super sensitive, it’s better to go for a gentle approach instead.
Tips on Removing Makeup
You now know why makeup removal matters as well as the common mistakes to avoid. Next, we’ll dive into the top tips on how to leave no traces of makeup and impurities behind.
1. Pull Your Hair Back

Here’s a simple tip to your makeup removal routine easier. Before cleansing, tie up your hair or use a headband to keep your whole face exposed. That way, you won’t miss out on areas such as your hairline, jaw and neck.
2. Remove Heavy Makeup on Lips and Eyes First
Kickstart your makeup removal routine by tackling your lips and eye makeup first. This is key to keeping smudges at bay. We suggest using eye and lip makeup removers that’s enriched with Vitamins B and E as these are gentle on your eyes and lips, yet can erase bold colours effortlessly. Don’t forget to use a mascara remover to handle those waterproof mascara moments like a pro.
3. Pat Gently, Especially Around Your Eye Area

Here’s another useful hack: to swipe off your makeup, ditch those cotton balls and opt for flat cotton pads instead. These actually soak up the product without leaving behind fibres.
To remove lip colour, soak up those cotton pads with makeup remover and wipe gently across your lips. When it comes to the thin and delicate area around your eyes, treat them with care. Soak some cotton pads in cleansing oil or oil-infused micellar water, and let them sit on your eyes for a while before gently wiping away your eye makeup.
4. Use a Gentle Makeup Remover Such As Micellar Water

Micellar water is your go-to solution for a gentle, non-abrasive way of removing makeup. This cleanser is made with tiny molecules called micelles which can gently lift and remove makeup, extra oil and dead skin cells off your face. It’s your bestie for removing light-to-medium coverage makeup and sunscreen smoothly.
Reach out for a micellar cleansing water which contains a blend of water-soluble thin film called pullulan. This formulation can reduce friction during your cleansing routine.
5. Cross Check with a Cotton Pad

What’s next after your first round of cleansing with your trusty makeup remover? Sometimes, makeup residue may still be left on your skin. Using a cotton pad soaked with makeup remover, give your face a quick one-over just to make sure every last bit of makeup is out of the picture.
6. Apply Toner and Moisturiser

After you’ve removed all your makeup, round up your skincare routine by applying toner and moisturiser. These skincare must-haves will keep your skin balanced, refreshed and hydrated. Toner will remove any excess oil that might be left over after your cleansing session. Moisturiser is your top skin-loving pick to keep your skin soft and supple. It also acts as a protective barrier to shield your skin from pollutants.
Conclusion
Remember the golden skincare rule of never sleeping with makeup on. By choosing the right products, embracing our pro tips for effective makeup removal, and following the right skincare steps, you’re on track to achieve your #SkincareGoals.